• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.3
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• pp.277-283
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• 2017

Background: Smoking cessation is the most powerful intervention to modify progress of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and nicotine dependence is one of the most important determinants of success or failure in smoking cessation. We evaluated nicotine dependence status and investigated factors associated with moderate to high nicotine dependence in patients with COPD. Methods: We included 53 current smokers with COPD in the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease II cohort enrolled between January 2014 and March 2016. Nicotine dependence was measured by using Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Cognitive function was assessed by Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Results: The median FTND score was 3, and 32 patients (60%) had moderate to high nicotine dependence. The median smoking amount was 44 pack-years, which was not related to nicotine dependence. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high education status (odds ratio, 1.286; 95% confidence interval, 1.036-1.596; p=0.023), age <70 (odds ratio, 6.407; 95% confidence interval, 1.376-29.830; p=0.018), and mild to moderate airflow obstruction (odds ratio, 6.969; 95% confidence interval, 1.388-34.998; p=0.018) were related to moderate to high nicotine dependence. Conclusion: Nicotine dependence does not correlate with smoking amount, but with education level, age, and severity of airflow obstruction. Physicians should provide different strategies of smoking cessation intervention for current smokers with COPD according to their education levels, age, and severity of airflow obstruction.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.7
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• pp.928-934
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• 2011

Nutritional compositions of acorn crude starch were analyzed according to country of origin, especially the mineral and sugar contents. Regarding the three kinds of starch of domestic (South Korea, KAS), Chinese (CAS), and North Korea (NAS) origins in the Korean market, NAS had the lowest moisture content as well as the highest contents of crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate. Regarding mineral contents, NAS contained the highest amounts of magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorous, whereas CAS contained the highest iron and zinc contents. There were no significant differences in acidity and pH. Analysis of the monosaccharide contents of the starches showed that glucose was the highest in KAS while sucrose was the highest in CAS. The Hunter color L value was the lowest in NAS, whereas a and b values were the lowest in CAS. Total phenolic content was the highest in NAS. NAS had the highest DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities ($IC_{50}$: 47.0 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.038 mg/mL for hydroxyl) whereas KAS had similar DPPH ($IC_{50}$: 73.7 mg/mL for CAS, 86.8 mg/mL for KAS) and hydroxyl radical activities ($IC_{50}$: 0.041 mg/mL for CAS, 0.044 mg/mL for KAS) as compared to CAS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.1142-1147
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• 2008

For the effective use of cultured red seabream, the muscle color, taste and nutrition components between red seabreams cultured by feeding and starving were compared. The proximate composition of red seabream muscle cultured by starving (RCS) was 72.7% moisture, 21.1% protein, 3.7% lipid and 1.4% crude ash. In comparison to red seabream muscle cultured by feeding (RCF), moisture and crude lipid of RCS were each 3% higher and 3% lower. No difference was, however, found in the other proximate compositions. The Hunter color value of RCS was 37.52 for L value, -1.47 for a value, 0.71 for b value and 59.33 for ${\Delta}E$ value, which was slightly higher in the L value than that of red seabream muscle cultured feeding (RCF); however, no differences were found in the other Hunter color values. TCA soluble-N content of RCS was 403.8 mg/100 g, which was higher than that of RCF (314.7 mg/100 g). In taste values, the major free amino acids of both RCS and RCF were glutamic acid, alanine, lysine and histidine. Total amino acid content of RCS was 21.2 g/100 g, which was higher than that of RCF. The mineral content of RCS was slightly higher in potassium than that of RCF, while lower in magnesium. According to the result of sensory evaluation, RCS was superior in taste and texture to RCF, while similar in color and flavor.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.139-144
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• 2008

We report on two cases of pericentric inversion of X chromosome. The cases were found in a 40-year-old man with azoospermia and in a family of a 38-year-old pregnant woman. The first case with 46,Y,inv(X)(p22.1q27) had concentrations of LH, prolactin, estradiol, and testosterone that were within normal ranges; however, FSH levels were elevated. Testis biopsy revealed maturation arrest at the primary and secondary spermatocytes without spermatozoa. There were no microdeletions in the 6 loci of chromosome Y. For the second case, the cytogenetic study of thepregnant woman referring for advanced maternal age and a family history of inversion X chromosome was 46,X,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2). The karyotype of her fetus was 46,X,inv(X)(p22.1q27). Among other family members, the karyotypes of an older sister in pregnancy and her fetus were 46,X,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2), and 46,Y,?inv(X), respectively. The proband's father was 46,Y,inv(X)(p22.11q27.2). All carriers in the family discussed above were fertile and phenotypically normal. In addition, the ratio of inactivation of inv(X) by RBG-banding was discordant between the two sisters, with the older sister having only 4.1% of cells carrying inactivated inv(X) while the proband had a 69.5% incidence of late replicating inv(X). Therefore, we suggest that the cause of azoospermia in the first case might be related to inversion X chromosome with positional effect. Also, the family of the second case showing normal phenotype of the balanced inv(X) might be not affected any positional effect of genes.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1235-1240
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• 2010

Natural compounds have been studied to substitute synthetic antioxidants. In this study, the anti-oxidant activity of 70% acetone extracts from the Vaccinium oldhami fruit was investigated for utilization as ingredients for the cosmetic and bio-industries. Anti-oxidant activity was determined by determining total polyphenolic content, electron donating ability, nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging activity, $ABTS{\cdot}^+$ cation radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The polyphenolic content of 70% acetone extracts of the Vaccinium oldhami fruit was 55.972 mg TAE/g. In electron donating activity, 70% acetone extracts of the Vaccinium oldhami fruit showed an effect of 93.9%, which was similar to BHA effect at a concentration of 500 ${\mu}g/ml$. In the NO radical scavenging ability, 70% acetone extracts of the Vaccinium oldhami fruit showed 60% at 500 ${\mu}g/ml$. $ABTS{\cdot}^+$ cation radical scavenging activity of the Vaccinium oldhami fruit at a concentration of 1000 ${\mu}g/ml$ was 75.7%. Also, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity of 70% acetone extracts showed 80.8% at 100 ${\mu}g/ml$, whichwas higher than BHA. In the natural compound market, the most important factors are the ability to obtain high effects of a material in low concentrations and a long-lasting supply. The Vaccinium oldhami fruit can be harvested every year - this fulfills one of the requirements. From these results, we can confirm that the Vaccinium oldhami fruit has anti-oxidant abilities and has potential as a natural anti-oxidant agent to be utilized in the cosmeceutical and bio-industries.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2010

Purpose : Although the incidence of polymicrobial bloodstream infection (PBSI) has increased, only a few studies have so far focused on children. Therefore, in an effort to prevent more serious situations in pediatric patients, we analyzed the clinical features, organisms, and laboratory results of PBSI. Methods : We performed a retrospective review of the case records of 97 patients with polymicrobial bloodstream infection in the Severance hospital, from 2001 to 2008. Using t-test and chi-square test, we analyzed the underlying medical conditions, clinical characteristics, organisms, and laboratory results of those patients. Results : Annual incidence of polymicrobial bloodstream infection increased from 1.4 % in 2001 to 10.9% in 2008 in pediatric patients. Immunocompromised hemato-oncological malignancy was found in 31 (31.9%) patients, and was the most common underlying medical condition; cardiovascular disease was found in 15 patients (15.4%), neurologic disease in 10 patients (10.3%), and so on. Gram positive organisms were recovered in 143 cases and gram negative organisms were recovered in 101 cases of PBSI. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common organism. Factors affecting mortality included underlying medical disease, immune status, nosocomial infection, and central catheter-related infection, for which the rate of mortality showed a greater increase (P<0.05). Conclusion : Due to the close connection between PBSI and fatal conditions or high mortality, it requires more aggressive management. Compared with previous studies, we discovered that immunocompromised hemato-oncological malignancy was the most common underlying medical condition and that frequency of gram-positive bacteria and fungus isolated has increased.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.19-24
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• 2013

Purpose: Recently, enterococcus spp. have become one of the most common nosocomial pathogens with increasing rates of multi-drug resistance. However, study on enterococcal urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is very limited, especially community acquired UTIs. We studied the clinical characteristics of enterococcus spp. in community acquired UTIs and antibiotic resistance within our urban area. Methods: All children with first episode of community acquired UTIs due to enterococcus spp. and Echerichia coli who were admitted in Pusan National University Children's Hospital between January 2010 and January 2013 were included in our study. We retrospectively reviewed their medical records. Results: During the study period, 201 patients were identified to have first episode of community acquired UTIs. 154 cases were E.coli UTIs (76.6%) and 11 cases were enterococcal UTIs (5.5%) and all enterococcus spp. were Enterococcus feacalis. In enterococcal UTI group, voiding cystourethrogram(VCUG) was performed in 7/11 patients and demonstrated 4 vesicoureteral refluxes (VURs) with renal scar and 3 patients underwent corrective surgery. In E.coli UTI group, VCUG was performed in 121/154 patients and demonstrated 23 VURs and 11 patients underwent corrective surgery. Enterococcal group had significant high rate of underlying urinary abnormalities and surgical corrections compared with E. coli group. All enterococcus spp. were susceptible to ampicillin, vancomycin and linezolid, but all were resistant to tetracycline. They also showed 71.4% resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 20% resistance to ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Community acquired enterococcal UTIs in children were rare within our urban area. However, they could be indicative of severe underlying urinary tract abnormalities.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.6
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• pp.492-498
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• 2007

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest that a host's genetic factors influence the outcome of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphism in NRAMP1 (natural resistance associated macrophage protein 1) gene is associated with the susceptibility or resistance to tuberculosis infection for patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis (DS-TB) and multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Methods: Eight genetic polymorphisms of the NRAMP1 gene were investigated in patients suffering with DS-TB (n=100) or MDR-TB (n=102), and in healthy normal controls (NC, n=96). The genetic polymorphisms of NRAMP1 were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Results: The frequency of D543N A/G heterogygotes was significantly higher in the DS-TB subjects than the NCs (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.00 to 4.41, p=0.049). The frequency of 823C/T T/C heterozygotes was significantly higher in the DS-TB subjects (OR=2.79, 95% CI: 1.11 to 7.04, p=0.029) and the MDR-TB subject (OR=3.30, 95% CI 1.33 to 8.18, p=0.010) than in the NCs. However, the frequency of these genotypes was not different between the DS-TB and MDR-TB subjects. Conclusion: A significant association was found between NRAMP1 823 C/T polymorphism and pulmonary tuberculosis. This result suggests that NRAMP1 polymorphism may be involved in the development of pulmonary tuberculosis in Koreans.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.96-103
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• 2011

Purpose: Although infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at risk of developing secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, little has been reported about the incidence, clinical course and prognosis of PH secondary to BPD in premature infants. This study was done to investigate the incidence, risk factors, clinical course, and the ultimate prognosis of PH developed secondary to BPD in very low birth weight infants (<1,500 g). Methods: Medical records of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI) admitted to Samsung Medical Center NICU from January 2000 to July 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. BPD was defined by Jobe's classification. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was established as velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) ${\geq}$3 m/s and a flattening of the intraventricular septum by conducting Doppler echocardiography. Results: The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was 6% in VLBWI with BPD and it developed in moderate to severe BPD. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was made on postnatal 133 days (range 40-224 days) and the risk factors related to developing pulmonary hypertension were severe BPD, small for gestational age and outborn infants. The mortality rate was 57% and especially higher in severe BPD (70%). The time to recovery spent 3 months (range 1-10 months) in survived patients. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, pulmonary hypertension secondary to BPD in VLBWI related to severity of BPD and had a poor prognosis. We expect that regular long-term echocardiography may be helpful in treating reversible in VLBWI with moderate to severe BPD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.1029-1034
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• 2012

In this study, we compared the antioxidant activities of three loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) by cultivars (Daebang, Bubang and native cultivar). The leaves were extracted by 80% ethanol and then fractionated with various solvents (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) for biological activities and bioactive compounds analysis. Total polyphenol content of extracts and fractions was in the range of 84.93~478.50 mg/g gallic acid equivalent (GAE). From highest to lowest GAE, the fractions were n-butanol> ethyl acetate> n-hexane> 80% ethanol> water. Among the three cultivars, the highest polyphenol content was found from native cultivar. As for DPPH radical scavenging activity, the n-butanol fraction showed the highest activity, and native cultivar was the highest on the $IC_{50}$ values (0.18 mg/mL). In the nitrite scavenging activity, the ethyl acetate fraction (54.99~60.86%) showed the most effective activity on the Bubang cultivar was higher than others. The ursolic acid content of the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest (51.41 mg/g) in the Daebang cultivar. Based on all these results;the Bubang cultivar showed relatively higher antioxidant and nitrite scavenging activities, but the ursolic acid content was higher in the Daebang cultivar. These results suggest that extracts from loquats (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) can be used as bioactive and functional materials that could be important information for industrial use in the future.